"Germany needs Europe far less than Europe needs Germany, and Merkel certainly can do without her daily vilification. The German government 'is fully committed to doing everything it can to strengthen the economic and currency union together with our European partners,' she reiterated recently.
But the fact that Germans are asking tough questions about their role in Europe is a sign of just how times have changed. If Germany's European partners — and Washington — want Merkel to maintain the careful balance that keeps her country committed, perhaps it's time for them to stop throwing insults and show a little respect."

Quotes

- ERIK FLOEGGEa German student, who supported the Social Democrats Party (SPD) in the North Rhine-Westphalia state election, in which Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives suffered a crushing defeat